Long-time Aspen resident Fred Martell died Aug. 5, 2008, at St. Anthony’s Central Hospital in Denver. His funeral was held on Aug. 8, 2008, at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens South in Davie, Fla.
Fred was born on Oct. 12, 1936, in The Bronx, New York, and grew up in Forest Hills. He began his career as a professional photographer and animator whose work included the cartoons “Heckle and Jeckle” and “Mighty Mouse.” He also created designs for the opening of “The Tony Bennett Show” and “The Late Show Movie Showcase” in the 1950s. Fred was the creator of the original NBC Peacock, and also donated time to public television. Subsequently, he was successful in real estate development and construction, creating projects in Florida and New York.
Fred married Barbara Osias on March 10, 1967, in Miami. They had two children, Piper and Kevin. The family moved to Aspen in 1972 and lived in Woody Creek for most of the first 10 years. Shortly after they arrived, Fred and Barbara opened the first New York-style deli in Aspen, The Bagel Nosh, which was very popular with both locals and tourists.
Fred was an avid golfer and an original member of the Maroon Creek Club. He loved the game and had many golfing partners. Fred also loved skiing and had been a season ski pass holder for more than 30 years.
Fred’s love for Aspen’s unique charm led him to become active in community efforts protesting inappropriate and oversized developments; his primary goal was to have Aspen retain the small-town scale and appeal that have attracted so many people to this special place. He did not want to see green grass replaced by concrete or beautiful mountain views obscured by overarching buildings.
Fred was a devoted husband and a kind and loving father. He was tenacious and determined, quick-witted, shrewd, and carried himself with the happy and relaxed disposition that was his hallmark.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his son, Kevin, and daughter-in-law, Iris; grandchildren, Brandon, Alec, and Jaden; niece, Brooke, and her husband, Tom; his brother, Jack Friedman, and wife, Karen.
